Celestún

This pretty fishing port lies 92km/57mi west of Mérida by a large, green lagoon. The inhabitants obtain their living from fishing, growing coconuts and salt extraction. The lagoon itself is a national park area, where numerous water-birds such as pelicans, flamingos, herons, cormorants and ducks can be observed. There are, however, plans afoot to build a large port here which will be accessible to international shipping.

South-east of Mérida lie a number of small places, some with interesting churches and convents of the colonial period. This excursion should be combined with a visit to the once important city of Mayapán, 48km/30mi south of Mérida.